Clemson: K.J. McDaniels

The 2013-14 season doesn't look promising for Brad Brownell and the Clemson Tigers.

Clemson struggled to a 13-18 record last season and lost two of its top three scorers from that team.

However, K.J. McDaniels, the top returning scorer from last season, should provide some excitement for Clemson fans.

McDaniels averaged 10.9 points and five rebounds last season and could be the best shot-blocker in the ACC. He averaged 2.1 blocks last season and will be counted on to anchor Clemson's defense with Devin Booker now gone.

There's not much for Clemson fans to be optimistic about going into next season but the play of K.J. McDaniels will be an exception.

Duke: Quinn Cook

Quinn Cook won't be Duke's most talented player next season, but he'll be the most important player for the Blue Devils.

Cook gained valuable experience last season as a sophomore and he was able to defer to Mason Plumlee and Seth Curry as the team's senior leaders.

Now, Mike Krzyzewski needs Cook to step up as the team's new leader, which is a role Cook appears to be embracing considering his recent decision to decline an invitation to USA Basketball so he could spend more time at Duke practicing with his teammates.

Duke has plenty of depth and versatility, but Cook's ability to push tempo and distribute the ball will be critical to the team's success.

Florida State: Okaro White

After winning the 2012 ACC Tournament Championship, Florida State struggled through the 2012-13 season.

Now, Leonard Hamilton will count on Okaro White to get things back on track for the Seminoles.

White averaged 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds as a sophomore and he'll need to step up as a junior to help make up for the loss of Michael Snaer, the team's leading scorer from last season.

He struggled with consistency last season but has the potential to score 16-18 points per game. If he can give Florida State this type of production, he will emerge as the team's primary scorer and a player who can keep the Seminoles in games.

Miami: Rion Brown

That's what happens when you're the only returning player out of the team's top seven scorers from the previous season.

Brown was primarily a perimeter specialist last season who really benefited from the driving ability of Shane Larkin and Durand Scott. Now, with Scott and Larkin no longer around, Brown will have to create more of his own offense and become more than just an outside threat.

It will be a difficult season for the Hurricanes, but Brown will need to be the senior leader who gives the team a chance.

North Carolina: P.J. Hairston

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There are a few different off-court issues that are still unknown about P.J. Hairston but we'll base this off the assumption that he plays for the Tar Heels next season.

Hairston returns to North Carolina for his junior season after leading the team in scoring last season (14.6 ppg) and showing glimpses of ability that makes him a candidate for the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.

At 6'5", 220 pounds, Hairston's combination of deep shooting range and the athleticism to finish at the rim makes him one of the most difficult players to defend in the league.

When he plays well, North Carolina has the ability to compete with anyone in the country.

Virginia: Joe Harris

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Joe Harris caught a lot of people by surprise last season with his consistent performance for the Cavaliers. After being named to the All-ACC first team at the conclusion of last season, Harris won't be surprising anyone next season.

The rising senior guard from Chelan, Wash. helped carry the Virginia offense last season, averaging 16.3 points per game while shooting over 42 percent from behind the three-point line.

He plays solid defense, has great shooting range, and possesses a unique ability to establish great position despite playing against guys who are more athletic than him.

With Harris's senior leadership, the Cavaliers should be ready to take a big step forward in the 2013-14 season.

Virginia Tech: Jarell Eddie

Last season, Virginia Tech basketball could have been called The Erick Green Show.

Green led the nation in scoring with 25 points per game, but his production was one of the few bright spots for the Hokies, who finished the season with a 13-19 record.

With Green having graduated, Virginia Tech turns to Jarell Eddie to take over the team.

Eddie was incredibly streaky last season but did average 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. In addition to becoming more consistent, Eddie also must work on his shot selection and avoid mental lapses in his play.